Functions and Value of Reminiscence for Nursing Home Staff

The purpose of the current study was to understand (a) the extent to which reminiscence is used among nursing home staff (RNs, licensed practical nurses, and certified nursing assistants), (b) the reasons nursing home staff engage in reminiscence activities with nursing home residents, and (c) the value they attribute to these activities. The degree to which engagement in reminiscence activities by nursing staff contributed to knowledge about residents was also explored. The most frequently used functions of reminiscence, as reported by nursing staff, were to calm anxiety, help residents see meaning in life, and reorient confused residents. Although nursing caregivers (N = 43) found reminiscence activities moderately to very enjoyable (76.5%), less than one half (46.5%) reported engaging in reminiscence activities with residents frequently or very frequently. Nurses who engaged in reminiscence activities more often also reported knowing residents better-a hallmark of high-quality care for residents with dementia. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 43(6), 35-43.].